The Rock Church

Category Archive: A Word from the Pastor

  1. Suddenly

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    Suddenly – a word by Pastor Josh Whitney from The Rock Church in Draper, UT. "Just as Aiden and I were suddenly shoved into a blizzard, so our Lord will return — dramatically and when we least expect it."

    “For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:2

    My son, Aiden, has his learner’s permit; we go driving most weekends to get his required 40 hours of experience. It rained at our house a couple weekends ago. I thought we could get some practice driving in “bad weather.” There was only light rain when we started out.  

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  2. A Reason to Rejoice

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    A Reason to Rejoice – a word by Pastor Bill Young from The Rock Church in Draper, UT. "I’d like to remind you that if you are a Christian, you do have that encouragement — a reason to rejoice. You are going to heaven."

    “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” — Luke 10:19-20 (NIV)

    This past year has been extremely challenging for most of us. We’ve struggled with hard things and suffered in many ways. We’ve needed encouragement. I’d like to remind you that if you are a Christian, you do have that encouragement — a reason to rejoice. You are going to heaven. Furthermore, He wants us to reach out to others with the Gospel. Consequently, you’ll be glad to hear that over the past few weeks, several people have gotten saved through the ministry of our church!

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  3. God’s Timing is Not Our Timing

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    God’s Timing is Not Our Timing – a word by Pastor Caleb Yetton from The Rock Church in Draper, UT. "I was struck by this important idea — God’s timing is not our timing. This is a truth we often learn through difficult circumstances."

    I’ve been reading through the Exodus story this past week. I was struck by this important idea — God’s timing is not our timing. This is a truth we often learn through difficult circumstances. Certainly, this was no different for the Israelites. Though they were enslaved and tormented in Egypt, God was at work, fulfilling His promises. 

    “…the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.” — Exodus 2:23-25

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  4. Wonderful Joy Ahead

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    Wonderful Joy Ahead – a word by Pastor Tony D'Amico from The Rock Church in Draper, UT. "Jesus has placed us here for a purpose. Let Him use the hardships in your life and you can rejoice in the wonderful joy ahead."

    “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” — 1 Peter 1:6

    The message Pastor Bill gave from our First Peter Series, Hope in Suffering, was a very timely reminder. A reminder that we will experience hardships in this life. But, as Peter challenged us, we need to look to the wonderful joy we have waiting ahead for us in heaven.

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  5. Darkness

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    Darkness – a word by Pastor Billy Johnson from The Rock Church in Draper, UT. "Christian, when you feel the darkness of this world closing in around you, or the weight of circumstances looming above you..."

    “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!” — Psalm 139:7-8

    Years ago, I worked in an underground mine. When we were done with the job each day, my co-workers took the buggy (side by side) up to the surface and unloaded some of our tools — they needed to make room for me. So, for about half an hour, I was alone (with nearly a mile of earth above me). 

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  6. Happy New Year!

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    Happy New Year! – a word by Pastor Steve McInroy from The Rock Church in Draper, UT. "I pray that the instruction we let into our own lives, and that which we give to others this year, may come from a pure heart."

    “Happy New Year!” has never sounded so good before and Old Man 2020 leaving us seems like it couldn’t come fast enough. Most of us are happy to drop 2020 into the dumpster of experience; we eagerly anticipate the promise of something better in 2021.

    Usually, I’m not one to make resolutions. I can have fear of failure. However, I am so excited about the idea of a fresh start this year, that I’m at least going to put some goals in place and I encourage you to do the same. Here is a great goal given by the Apostle Paul: 

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  7. Good, Close and Strong

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    Good, Close and Strong – a word by Pastor Steele Croswhite from The Rock Church in Draper, UT. "...there was refuge. I was weak, but in this, he was strong. I felt fearful, but he was close. Despite the truth of the pain, he was good."

    The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” — Nahum 1:7

    We have heard it over and over and over again: “What a year 2020 has been!” This is definitely true. Many of us have lived through circumstances we never could have predicted — and all in one year. In Utah, we have seen earthquakes, hurricane level winds, closed businesses, schools and churches. Because of the Coronavirus, many have experienced deep loss.

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  8. Good News

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    Good News – a word by Pastor Josh Whitney from The Rock Church in Draper, UT. "This year was full of bad news and reasons to fear. But, the angel’s word to the shepherds and us is “Fear not! I have good news!”

    “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:10-11

    Merry Christmas, Rock Church! As your pastors, we sure love and appreciate you all so much! You know, this time of year is special for many reasons…family, decorations and gifts just to name a few. However, the most important reason of all is that our Savior came to the earth. In Luke 2 (when the angel appeared to the shepherds) he said (paraphrasing), “Don’t be afraid! I have good news; the Savior has arrived!” 

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  9. The Love of God

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    The Love of God – a word by Pastor Bill Young from The Rock Church in Draper, UT. "During my devotional times this past week, I’ve thought a lot about the amazing love of God. I am amazed as I consider how much God actually loves me!"

    During my devotional times this past week, I’ve thought a lot about the amazing love of God. I am amazed as I consider how much God actually loves me! It says in 2 Thessalonians 3:5, “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” God gave me two thoughts regarding this verse. First, my heart can be directed. And second, it should be aimed toward the fact that God loves me. Seems simple, but somehow it was profound to me.

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